The central government has struggled to maintain order, with various armed-rebel militias and factions vying for power, control and territory throughout the country. Many of the groups helped to oust long-time dictator Moammar Gaddafi in 2011, but now regularly "defy state authority" and have "carved out their own fiefdoms," reported AFP.

The infighting has also been extremely detrimental to Libya's economy, which relies heavily on its oil exports for income. Tripoli has often had to vie for control of several refineries with militias in its eastern parts of the country over the past year.

The culmination of Libya's troubles have made its citizens skeptical of the parliamentary vote, with many fearing that the election will just produce another "interim assembly," reported AFP.